Sports Medicine

You know that being active is good for you. But sometimes you need help to stay in the game. Whether you're an athlete, a parent or a coach, Portsmouth Regional Hospital's sports medicine specialists are here to keep you or your athlete moving with a comprehensive approach that combines advanced diagnostics, expert advice, assessment, health and fitness training, treatment, rehab and prevention services.

Your Partner in Sports Medicine

An all-inclusive approach that includes prevention, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation

Orthopedic specialists with advanced experience in the full range of orthopedic services, including minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures

The largest staff of certified clinical rehabilitation specialists in New Hampshire

Our Center for Rehabilitation and Wellness, which includes an 840-square foot gymnasium, a warm-water pool for aquatic therapy, a walking track and a full spectrum of weight training and exercise equipment

Sport-specific physical therapy and strength training

Experience based on our long-term partnerships with area college, university and high school athletic programs

Screenings/evaluations for student athletes

Injury prevention education and other resources for athletes and coaches

Most sports injuries are temporary setbacks. With effective treatment, you can overcome injuries and return to your desired level of physical activity and athletic participation. Even better, you can avoid many sports injuries altogether if you take proper precautions.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Some sports injuries warrant a visit to a health professional—or even the emergency room. You should see a professional when the following acute or chronic conditions exist:

Acute pain:

Swelling on or around a joint

Inability to move a joint or decreased motion of the joint

Any bone deformity

Inability to walk without a limp

Extensive bruising

Chronic pain:

The symptoms do not disappear after activity modification and full resumption of activity

The symptoms are occurring with daily activities such as walking

The symptoms persist for longer than 10 days

Among the most serious potential sports injuries are concussions. Learn to recognize and respond to concussion injuries.

Injury Care and Prevention

These guidelines and practices will help you and your team stay in the game:

Ice and heat are among the most common treatments for sports injuries. But it's important to know which treatment is right for your injury and to understand the guidelines for use.

When and how to use ice: Ice treatment is most often used for acute injuries such as ankle sprains. It may also be used for chronic conditions such as injuries from overuse.

Use early and often for the first 48 hours to reduce swelling.

Use ice following exercise to decrease inflammation for both acute and chronic injuries.

Use for no longer than 15 minutes every three to four hours for the first 24 to 48 hours following an acute injury.

Do not use for more than 20 minutes at a time, as prolonged exposure may lead to tissue damage.

When and how to use heat: Heat treatment is most commonly used for chronic conditions to help relax and loosen tissues and stimulate blood flow to the area. It may also be used for chronic injuries prior to stretching.

Use before exercise as part of a warm-up. However, general whole body warm-up activities, such as jogging, are more effective than heat in increasing blood flow and tissue temperature in the affected area.

Do not use heat for the first 48 to 72 hours following an acute injury.

Do not use heat when signs of inflammation such as redness, warmth or swelling are present.

Staying hydrated is key to your health and fitness, especially during warm weather. Heat-related problems usually occur within the first few days of practice and conditioning. That's why it's important to increase activity levels gradually and emphasize proper hydration throughout.

During hot and humid conditions, the American Academy of Pediatrics encourages coaches and athletes to:

Reduce intensity of physical activity lasting more than 15 minutes.

Drink plenty of fluids before practice and during regular breaks, while limiting clothing to a single layer of light-colored, lightweight material.

The color of your urine is a good indicator of whether you're consuming the necessary level of fluids. The clearer your urine, the better, as this indicates it's less concentrated. Athletes should drink 20 ounces of fluid for every pound lost during physical activity.

Athletes continually touch other players, surfaces and objects, accumulating germs on their hands. Frequent hand washing is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick and spreading illness or infections.

Proper hand washing involves getting your hands completely wet, applying a generous amount of soap and scrubbing well for approximately 15 seconds—including between fingers, under nails and on the back of your hands. It's best to turn off the faucet using your elbow or a paper towel, then dry your hands with a clean paper towel.

Always wash hands and other exposed skin immediately or as soon as possible after contact with blood or potentially blood-tainted fluids or materials. Exercise care and minimize handling when removing soiled gloves or protective gear.